What’s one thing you own that holds deep sentimental value?
I’m really not a sentimental guy. I’ve gotten a lot better over the years about letting go of things and getting away from what I call “stuff-itis.” That feeling that you need to keep everything because it might mean something someday.
But there are a couple of things I own that mean something to me.
One is a picture my daughter Amani and I painted together. It’s a simple paint-by-numbers type of painting made from an actual picture of the two of us. Nothing elaborate, but I like it. It’s us, and it’s something we did together.
I also have one of my dad’s old cars, a ’57 Oldsmobile convertible. I think it’s an awesome car on its own, and the fact that it was his makes it more meaningful to me.
So, yes, I have things with sentimental value. I just don’t feel the need to hold on to everything.
I think sometimes we get caught up in keeping stuff because letting it go feels like we’re giving up a piece of our lives. I’ve gotten more comfortable with the idea that I can appreciate something, remember what it meant, and still move forward.
That painting matters because of my daughter and the time we spent making it. The Oldsmobile has a connection to my dad. Those are good reasons to enjoy having them.
But I want to keep making memories, too. I don’t want to get so busy holding on to yesterday that I forget to enjoy today.
A few meaningful things are enough for me. The memories are what I value most.
—Nicholas Francis
Modern Day Dealer
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